Arsenal wasted the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as Liverpool came to life in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.&nbsp;The Reds are one of only two sides to beat Mikel Arteta's men this season and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Conor Bradley hit the crossbar.&nbsp;Arsenal failed to score for the first time at home all season but did enough to extend their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points.&nbsp;Three consecutive draws for City over the past week had opened the door for Arsenal to close in on their first league title in 22 years.&nbsp;The Emirates was bouncing before a ball was kicked in anticipation, but the spectacle between the defending champions and apparent champions elect fell flat.&nbsp;Both sides struggled to deal with the treacherous conditions as Storm Goretti unleashed torrential rain and swirling winds.&nbsp;Liverpool have long since fallen out of the title race since beating the Gunners at Anfield in August, but are now 10 games unbeaten to consolidate their place in the top four.&nbsp;The visitors were penned in for much of the first 45 minutes but still came closest to opening the scoring before the break.&nbsp;William Saliba's backpass nearly caught out David Raya and, with the Spanish goalkeeper stranded, Conor Bradley's lob came back off the underside of the crossbar.&nbsp;The roles were reversed in the second period as Liverpool dominated possession and territory.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;However, the Reds were shorn of three of their biggest attacking threats with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike out injured and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.&nbsp;That lack of firepower in the final third showed as Arsenal were only ever troubled by the pace of Jeremie Frimpong, who lacked the final ball to make his dangerous bursts count.&nbsp;Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick separated the sides when the last met and nearly repeated the trick with a powerful effort that dipped just too late.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres was hauled off by Arteta after another poor performance as his goal drought from open play extended to 10 games.&nbsp;Arteta had to turn to his wealth of options off the bench to try and turn the tide as Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli were all introduced in the hunt for a winner.&nbsp;But they took until stoppage time to register a shot on goal in the second half as Jesus and Martinelli fired too close to Alisson Becker.&nbsp;A point edges fourth-placed Liverpool three points clear of Newcastle and Manchester United in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Arsenal failed to score for the first time at home all season but did enough to extend their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points.

Arsenal wasted the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as Liverpool came to life in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The Reds are one of only two sides to beat Mikel Arteta's men this season and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Conor Bradley hit the crossbar. Arsenal failed to score for the first time at home all season but did enough to extend their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points. Three consecutive draws for City over the past week had opened the door for Arsenal to close in on their first league title in 22 years. The Emirates was bouncing before a ball was kicked in anticipation, but the spectacle between the defending champions and apparent champions elect fell flat. Both sides struggled to deal with the treacherous conditions as Storm Goretti unleashed torrential rain and swirling winds. Liverpool have long since fallen out of the title race since beating the Gunners at Anfield in August, but are now 10 games unbeaten to consolidate their place in the top four. The visitors were penned in for much of the first 45 minutes but still came closest to opening the scoring before the break. William Saliba's backpass nearly caught out David Raya and, with the Spanish goalkeeper stranded, Conor Bradley's lob came back off the underside of the crossbar. The roles were reversed in the second period as Liverpool dominated possession and territory. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes However, the Reds were shorn of three of their biggest attacking threats with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike out injured and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations. That lack of firepower in the final third showed as Arsenal were only ever troubled by the pace of Jeremie Frimpong, who lacked the final ball to make his dangerous bursts count. Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick separated the sides when the last met and nearly repeated the trick with a powerful effort that dipped just too late. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres was hauled off by Arteta after another poor performance as his goal drought from open play extended to 10 games. Arteta had to turn to his wealth of options off the bench to try and turn the tide as Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli were all introduced in the hunt for a winner. But they took until stoppage time to register a shot on goal in the second half as Jesus and Martinelli fired too close to Alisson Becker. A point edges fourth-placed Liverpool three points clear of Newcastle and Manchester United in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Arsenal failed to score for the first time at home all season but did enough to extend their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points.

Premier League: Arsenal miss chance to stretch lead in Liverpool stalemate

Mohamed Salah's late equaliser earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal in an entertaining Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber limped off to add to the Gunners' injury woes.

Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead in the ninth minute when he ran on to Ben White's ball over the top, cut inside Andy Robertson and fired past Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post for a 50th Premier League goal on his return from injury.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/deeply-regrets-the-insults-real-madrid-on-racist-abuse-of-barcelona-players-in-el-clasico-771174">'Deeply regret the insults,' Real Madrid on racist abuse of Barcelona players in El Clasico</a>

Virgil van Dijk, perhaps fortunate to avoid a card for a petulant kick at Kai Havertz in the opening exchanges, equalised nine minutes later, nodding home a Luis Diaz flick-on from a corner.

"I think to come back twice is a good thing, and we take the point and we move (on)," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

Arsenal responded positively and spurned several half-chances, with Saka hitting a shot over the bar and Havertz unable to control Gabriel Martinelli's dangerous ball across the face of goal.

The home fans wanted a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Ibrahima Konate floored Martinelli with a clumsy challenge, but referee Anthony Taylor deemed he got enough of the ball, with Havertz slicing a volley over the top in the aftermath.

Mikel Merino scored his first Arsenal goal just before half-time, meeting Declan Rice's free-kick with a bullet header that was upheld after a lengthy VAR review for offside.

Liverpool improved after the break and Diaz went close five minutes after the restart following a mazy run along the touchline.

<h2>Arsenal ‘very disappointed’</h2>

Gabriel limped off early in the second half, replaced by Jakub Kiwior, as Arsenal sustained another injury to a key player. Recent returnee Timber followed him off later.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope to soon welcome back captain Martin Odegaard, who has been out since September but said in the matchday programme that he is close to a return.

The hosts had to withstand considerable periods of pressure, though they threatened on the counter as Liverpool left gaps at the back.

Salah levelled the game in the 81st minute with a calm tap-in from Darwin Nunez's selfless cross, putting the Egyptian winger eighth on the all-time list and level with Robbie Fowler on 163 career Premier League goals.

The momentum seemed to be with Liverpool to clinch a comeback victory but Arsenal had the ball in the net at the death through a combination of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, though referee Taylor had already blown for a foul.

Asked about the incident, Arteta said he did not know why a foul had been given in the build-up and declined to comment further.

The draw puts Liverpool second with 22 points from nine games, one point behind Manchester City, and Arsenal move into third with 18 points.

Arteta told reporters he was "very disappointed" his side did not win, but said: "Very proud of the team, especially with the situation that we are going through at the moment."

He added that he would prefer to be five points ahead of City rather than five behind, though he said: "The team is alive, the team wants it."

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot said that, on balance, he was happy: "Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team, then to get a point is pleasing to see."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mohamed Salah's late equaliser earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal in an entertaining Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber limped off to add to the Gunners' injury woes.

Mohamed Salah's late equaliser earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal in an entertaining Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber limped off to add to the Gunners' injury woes. Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead in the ninth minute when he ran on to Ben White's ball over the top, cut inside Andy Robertson and fired past Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post for a 50th Premier League goal on his return from injury. ALSO READ: 'Deeply regret the insults,' Real Madrid on racist abuse of Barcelona players in El Clasico Virgil van Dijk, perhaps fortunate to avoid a card for a petulant kick at Kai Havertz in the opening exchanges, equalised nine minutes later, nodding home a Luis Diaz flick-on from a corner. "I think to come back twice is a good thing, and we take the point and we move (on)," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. Arsenal responded positively and spurned several half-chances, with Saka hitting a shot over the bar and Havertz unable to control Gabriel Martinelli's dangerous ball across the face of goal. The home fans wanted a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Ibrahima Konate floored Martinelli with a clumsy challenge, but referee Anthony Taylor deemed he got enough of the ball, with Havertz slicing a volley over the top in the aftermath. Mikel Merino scored his first Arsenal goal just before half-time, meeting Declan Rice's free-kick with a bullet header that was upheld after a lengthy VAR review for offside. Liverpool improved after the break and Diaz went close five minutes after the restart following a mazy run along the touchline. Arsenal ‘very disappointed’ Gabriel limped off early in the second half, replaced by Jakub Kiwior, as Arsenal sustained another injury to a key player. Recent returnee Timber followed him off later. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope to soon welcome back captain Martin Odegaard, who has been out since September but said in the matchday programme that he is close to a return. The hosts had to withstand considerable periods of pressure, though they threatened on the counter as Liverpool left gaps at the back. Salah levelled the game in the 81st minute with a calm tap-in from Darwin Nunez's selfless cross, putting the Egyptian winger eighth on the all-time list and level with Robbie Fowler on 163 career Premier League goals. The momentum seemed to be with Liverpool to clinch a comeback victory but Arsenal had the ball in the net at the death through a combination of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, though referee Taylor had already blown for a foul. Asked about the incident, Arteta said he did not know why a foul had been given in the build-up and declined to comment further. The draw puts Liverpool second with 22 points from nine games, one point behind Manchester City, and Arsenal move into third with 18 points. Arteta told reporters he was "very disappointed" his side did not win, but said: "Very proud of the team, especially with the situation that we are going through at the moment." He added that he would prefer to be five points ahead of City rather than five behind, though he said: "The team is alive, the team wants it." Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot said that, on balance, he was happy: "Going two times behind against a very strong and good Arsenal team, then to get a point is pleasing to see." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Premier League: Mohamed Salah’s late strike earns Liverpool a draw at Arsenal as Manchester City back on top

Liverpool were frustrated by 10-man Arsenal in a 0-0 League Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday at Anfield where the visitors defended superbly after Granit Xhaka`s early sending off.

Switzerland international midfielder Xhaka was shown a red card in the 24th minute for a high challenge on Diogo Jota at the edge of the area, catching the Portuguese forward in the ribs and denying him a scoring opportunity.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded by bringing on defender Rob Holding in place of striker Eddie Nketiah, the hat-trick hero against League One side Sunderland in the quarter-finals, leaving Alexandre Lacazette as the lone man up front.

Despite Liverpool enjoying most of the possession, Arsenal kept them out with an impressive performance under pressure and still looked dangerous on the break.

The hosts were toothless without their potent strike pairing of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt and Senegal respectively.

"I would have preferred to score the goal rather than them getting the red card, especially after the game now," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told Sky Sports.

"It`s a two-leg game and it`s halftime and I can`t remember one time in my life when I was sitting with 0-0 at halftime wherever it was and thought, `Oh, we have no chance any more`."

The winners after next week`s second leg in London will face Chelsea, who beat Tottenham Hotspur nL1N2TS2YF 3-0 on aggregate on Wednesday, in the final at Wembley on Feb. 27.

Arsenal`s best opportunity came in the 71st minute when England international Bukayo Saka forced a crouching save from Alisson with the first real shot on target of the game.

Liverpool`s Takumi Minamino then missed a golden chance when the Japanese midfielder fired high over the bar from close range in the 90th.

The miss summed up the night for Liverpool, who lacked composure and snatched at chances against opponents dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round at Championship (second-tier)side Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

"There is so much fight in this team and it showed today," said Arsenal defender Ben White, who was man of the match.

"We dug deep and got the result that we needed ... it`s hard enough to come here with 11 men and to get one sent off straight away is not good. But absolutely superb from everyone.

"You have to concentrate the whole game and (have) a bit of luck. The result is well deserved. It`s nice to defend like that as a defender."

Arteta hailed his players for their fighting spirit.

"We played the game that we had to play, which is not our game," said the Spaniard, whose side picked up a few injuries with right back Cedric Soares taken off after only 12 minutes and replacement Calum Chambers struggling at the end.

Liverpool were frustrated by 10-man Arsenal in a 0-0 League Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday at Anfield where the visitors defended superbly after Granit Xhaka`s early sending off.

Liverpool were frustrated by 10-man Arsenal in a 0-0 League Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday at Anfield where the visitors defended superbly after Granit Xhaka`s early sending off. Switzerland international midfielder Xhaka was shown a red card in the 24th minute for a high challenge on Diogo Jota at the edge of the area, catching the Portuguese forward in the ribs and denying him a scoring opportunity. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded by bringing on defender Rob Holding in place of striker Eddie Nketiah, the hat-trick hero against League One side Sunderland in the quarter-finals, leaving Alexandre Lacazette as the lone man up front. Despite Liverpool enjoying most of the possession, Arsenal kept them out with an impressive performance under pressure and still looked dangerous on the break. The hosts were toothless without their potent strike pairing of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt and Senegal respectively. "I would have preferred to score the goal rather than them getting the red card, especially after the game now," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told Sky Sports. "It`s a two-leg game and it`s halftime and I can`t remember one time in my life when I was sitting with 0-0 at halftime wherever it was and thought, `Oh, we have no chance any more`." The winners after next week`s second leg in London will face Chelsea, who beat Tottenham Hotspur nL1N2TS2YF 3-0 on aggregate on Wednesday, in the final at Wembley on Feb. 27. Arsenal`s best opportunity came in the 71st minute when England international Bukayo Saka forced a crouching save from Alisson with the first real shot on target of the game. Liverpool`s Takumi Minamino then missed a golden chance when the Japanese midfielder fired high over the bar from close range in the 90th. The miss summed up the night for Liverpool, who lacked composure and snatched at chances against opponents dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round at Championship (second-tier)side Nottingham Forest on Sunday. "There is so much fight in this team and it showed today," said Arsenal defender Ben White, who was man of the match. "We dug deep and got the result that we needed ... it`s hard enough to come here with 11 men and to get one sent off straight away is not good. But absolutely superb from everyone. "You have to concentrate the whole game and (have) a bit of luck. The result is well deserved. It`s nice to defend like that as a defender." Arteta hailed his players for their fighting spirit. "We played the game that we had to play, which is not our game," said the Spaniard, whose side picked up a few injuries with right back Cedric Soares taken off after only 12 minutes and replacement Calum Chambers struggling at the end.

Liverpool frustrated by 10-man Arsenal in League Cup semi-final stalemate

Just when one thought the Covid-19 infection had taken a backseat, the cases have once again been on the rise globally especially due to the advent of the Omicron variant. The Covid-19 crisis is being felt once again in the sporting arena as the Arsenal-Liverpool League Cup semi-final's first leg got postponed due to the surge of Covid cases in the latter's camp.

The development was shared by the English Football League (EFL) that Thursday's encounter (January 6) has been postponed. The first of the two semi-finals will now take place at Anfield on January 13 whereas the second and final leg has been scheduled on January 20 at the Emirates.&nbsp;

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Our Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg fixture with Arsenal on Thursday has been postponed. 
 
We would like to place on record our thanks to the EFL and Arsenal for their understanding, as well as supporters of both clubs, as we continue to navigate through this challenging period.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1478713485617946631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For the unversed,&nbsp;Liverpool had requested the first leg be called off following the Covid-19 crisis hitting their camp severely. The likes of Liverpool players Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip had tested positive on Sunday (January 2), whereas manager Juergen Klopp returned with the same report during the course of the weekend.

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"The first leg of the Carabao (League) Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Liverpool scheduled for Thursday 6 January 2022 has been postponed following a formal request by Liverpool due to a severe outbreak of COVID infections amongst their management and playing staff," the EFL said in a statement.

"The EFL has been in regular dialogue with the club over the past 48 hours in an attempt to understand whether the tie could proceed but significant developments over this period have resulted in the Club reporting an ever-increasing number of COVID cases."

Just when one thought the Covid-19 infection had taken a backseat, the cases have once again been on the rise globally especially due to the advent of the Omicron variant.

Just when one thought the Covid-19 infection had taken a backseat, the cases have once again been on the rise globally especially due to the advent of the Omicron variant. The Covid-19 crisis is being felt once again in the sporting arena as the Arsenal-Liverpool League Cup semi-final's first leg got postponed due to the surge of Covid cases in the latter's camp. The development was shared by the English Football League (EFL) that Thursday's encounter (January 6) has been postponed. The first of the two semi-finals will now take place at Anfield on January 13 whereas the second and final leg has been scheduled on January 20 at the Emirates. ALSO READ | England's Kieran Trippier could mark opening salvo in Newcastle United's escape bid Our Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg fixture with Arsenal on Thursday has been postponed. We would like to place on record our thanks to the EFL and Arsenal for their understanding, as well as supporters of both clubs, as we continue to navigate through this challenging period. — Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 5, 2022 × For the unversed, Liverpool had requested the first leg be called off following the Covid-19 crisis hitting their camp severely. The likes of Liverpool players Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip had tested positive on Sunday (January 2), whereas manager Juergen Klopp returned with the same report during the course of the weekend. ALSO READ | Ferran Torres and Pedri latest to test positive for COVID-19 as Barcelona deal with virus outbreak "The first leg of the Carabao (League) Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Liverpool scheduled for Thursday 6 January 2022 has been postponed following a formal request by Liverpool due to a severe outbreak of COVID infections amongst their management and playing staff," the EFL said in a statement. "The EFL has been in regular dialogue with the club over the past 48 hours in an attempt to understand whether the tie could proceed but significant developments over this period have resulted in the Club reporting an ever-increasing number of COVID cases."

League Cup: Arsenal vs Liverpool semi-final first leg postponed due to Covid-19, revised dates out

Arsenal capitalised on shocking errors from Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to beat the champions 2-1 at The Emirates on Wednesday and end their hopes of a record points tally for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> season.

The loss means Liverpool, on 93 points, can now only stretch that tally to 99, one short of Manchester City’s record. Arsenal’s first win against Liverpool since April 2015 lifts them one place to ninth in the table on 53 points.

The visitors created all the early pressure and opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Sadio Mane lashed in his 17th goal of the season from close range.

Yet the home side, playing without their leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, were handed a free pass back into the game 12 minutes later when Van Dijk made a back pass straight into the path of Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman calmly rounded defender Fabinho and keeper Alisson and fired into an empty net.

A second moment of calamitous work at the back from Liverpool then gifted the lead to Arsenal before the break, when Alisson attempted a chipped ball out to Robertson that Lacazette ran onto and pulled back to Reiss Nelson.

The 20-year-old turned and shaped his shot beyond the diving keeper into the bottom left corner.

“Twice, a massive lack of concentration... These two moments killed the game for us,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, whose side suffered only their third league defeat of the season.

“Arsenal had no real chances... You cannot win football games when you concede goals like this.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had left Aubameyang on the bench, most likely with one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, which may now be the Gunners’ best chance of securing European football next season.

Yet as Liverpool poured forward after the break and created numerous chances, the best of which from Salah was palmed over the bar at the last second by keeper Emiliano Martinez, Arteta responded.

He shored up his side with a triple substitution, bringing off both his goalscorers and Lucas Torreira and replacing them with Aubameyang, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock.

Klopp then took off Firmino and brought on Takumi Minamino, who had an almost immediate shout for a penalty after coming into contact with Kieran Tierney in front of the Arsenal goal.

The visitors kept up the pressure but despite at times driving almost the entire Arsenal team back into their own penalty area, they were unable to find a way through.

“In terms of energy and happiness in the dressing room before the (FA Cup) semi-final, it’s a good medicine,” Arteta said.

“To beat this team you have to have moments in the game when you take your chances, defend and have a bit of luck.”

Arsenal capitalised on shocking errors from Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to beat the champions 2-1 at The Emirates on Wednesday and end their hopes of a record points tally for the Premier League season.

Arsenal capitalised on shocking errors from Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to beat the champions 2-1 at The Emirates on Wednesday and end their hopes of a record points tally for the Premier League season. The loss means Liverpool, on 93 points, can now only stretch that tally to 99, one short of Manchester City’s record. Arsenal’s first win against Liverpool since April 2015 lifts them one place to ninth in the table on 53 points. The visitors created all the early pressure and opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Sadio Mane lashed in his 17th goal of the season from close range. Yet the home side, playing without their leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, were handed a free pass back into the game 12 minutes later when Van Dijk made a back pass straight into the path of Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman calmly rounded defender Fabinho and keeper Alisson and fired into an empty net. A second moment of calamitous work at the back from Liverpool then gifted the lead to Arsenal before the break, when Alisson attempted a chipped ball out to Robertson that Lacazette ran onto and pulled back to Reiss Nelson. The 20-year-old turned and shaped his shot beyond the diving keeper into the bottom left corner. “Twice, a massive lack of concentration... These two moments killed the game for us,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, whose side suffered only their third league defeat of the season. “Arsenal had no real chances... You cannot win football games when you concede goals like this.” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had left Aubameyang on the bench, most likely with one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, which may now be the Gunners’ best chance of securing European football next season. Yet as Liverpool poured forward after the break and created numerous chances, the best of which from Salah was palmed over the bar at the last second by keeper Emiliano Martinez, Arteta responded. He shored up his side with a triple substitution, bringing off both his goalscorers and Lucas Torreira and replacing them with Aubameyang, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock. Klopp then took off Firmino and brought on Takumi Minamino, who had an almost immediate shout for a penalty after coming into contact with Kieran Tierney in front of the Arsenal goal. The visitors kept up the pressure but despite at times driving almost the entire Arsenal team back into their own penalty area, they were unable to find a way through. “In terms of energy and happiness in the dressing room before the (FA Cup) semi-final, it’s a good medicine,” Arteta said. “To beat this team you have to have moments in the game when you take your chances, defend and have a bit of luck.”

Premier League: Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 to end hopes of record points haul